Sir Alex Ferguson will attend Manchester United's FA Cup clash at Preston on Monday night, with the Sky Bet League One club stepping up security for the Scot's first trip to Deepdale since his son Darren was sacked.
North End are hosting the 20-time English champions next week 43 years after they last visited and the contest, which will also be screened live on national television, is sold out.
Former United manager Ferguson will be among those watching on as he witnesses his old club take on the team which axed his son five years ago.
Darren Ferguson left North End bottom of the Championship in December 2010, with his father swiftly recalling three players who were on loan with Preston from United in a move which appeared motivated by revenge.
Yet Sir Alex Ferguson later claimed Ritchie De Laet, Josh King and Matty James were summoned back to Old Trafford through their own choice, rather than his.
Nevertheless, North End fans were miffed with the decision as the Lilywhites were relegated into the third tier, where they remain today, at the end of that season.
Ferguson senior may therefore experience a frosty welcome from the home faithful on Monday night, yet Preston insist the decision to increase security around the fifth-round tie is normal protocol and merely due to the attention that one of English football's giants command.
Source: PA
